Extraction systems

Extraction system for woodturners and DIY enthusiasts:

There are two types of dust extraction systems for DIY enthusiasts. The so-called extraction bins, which work with a vacuum, and the chip extraction systems.

Chip extraction system

Classic chip extraction systems rely on a continuous flow of air to attract dust. This requires a powerful fan and a sufficiently large outlet so that the air flow is not restricted by the filter. Whilst it is possible to extract finer dusts with this type of machine, this requires a much finer filter which restricts the airflow and overall performance. To achieve this, the filter must have a very large surface area. Fine filters, which do not restrict the performance of the appliance, are larger and more complicated to manufacture. They therefore often cost just as much or even more than the chip extraction systems themselves. Even with these fine dust filters, it may not be possible to filter the finest dusts of less than 5 micrometres.

Vacuum extraction systems

Vacuum extraction systems, on the other hand, are much more advantageous. The way they work is similar to a classic hoover. By creating a vacuum, air is drawn in and falls to the floor in the bin. The filter unit, which is mounted directly on the motor, is much smaller.
This design enables an enormously high filter performance without impairing the motor performance. As filtration takes up less space, it is possible to build vacuum extraction systems that take up less space overall. Even though both machines offer their advantages, suction barrels are the more practical solution in the home workshop. Apart from the price advantage, they are preferable to classic chip extraction systems in terms of size, performance and filtration.

Record Power CamVac cyclone vacuum extraction systems

Vacuum extraction bins can be purchased in different sizes. With the CamVac line, the manufacturer Record Power offers devices ranging in size from 36 litres to an impressive 200 litres. The models with a capacity of 36 litres are ideal for smaller woodturning workshops. With a height of 397 mm, they fit under any woodturning lathe. This saves an enormous amount of space in cramped rooms. However, the 55 litre and 99 litre CamVac extraction systems can also be placed directly under the lathe. The most important facts in brief:

Performance and connection options for all devices in the workshop

You can establish a connection to the CamVac vacuum extraction systems wherever chips are produced in your workshop. Various hoses, adapters and connecting elements are available for this purpose. Provided you opt for an extraction system with sufficient power, you can even connect your entire workshop to a CamVac device. Record Power offers CamVac models with either a single motor, double motor or triple motor. The use of multiple motors increases the power enormously.

Ideal for use with power tools and bench machines:

Another advantage of vacuum extraction systems is noticeable when you need to use smaller hose diameters. Especially if you need to make a connection to power tools other than a wood lathe, you don't have to expect any compromises.
Planing machines, grinders, routers or band and table saws can be operated with the CamVac devices to remove dust and shavings cleanly. If you intend to vacuum larger quantities and large chips, you should bear in mind that you will need a more powerful machine. For comparison: narrowing the hose would have a negative effect on the performance of chip extraction systems. Reducing the hose diameter would considerably restrict the air flow.

Silenced outlet

CamVac extraction systems are among the quietest HPLV dust extraction systems (HPLV = High-Pressure-Low-Volume) on the market. The silenced outlet effectively reduces operating noise, with measurements showing a sound pressure level of up to 74 dB for a single-motor model. If the optional 2 1/2" hose (63.5 mm) is connected to the silenced outlet, this can be reduced to around 68 dB - an ideal solution for keeping noise to a minimum for the neighbourhood. If the optional hose is used on the silenced outlet, the noise can be reduced even further by routing the end of the hose through a window in the workshop, for example.

Noise level of the CamVac extraction systems from Record Power

Measured at a distance of 2 metres with direct visual contact.

Cyclone inlet

• All CamVac models offer a unique cyclone inlet system that forces the chips towards the drum wall, away from filters and motors, increasing their service life.
• This makes them suitable for collecting coarse chips, such as wood shavings, as well as fine dust, maximising their versatility and usability in the workshop.
• Three-stage filtration down to 0.5 micrometres
• Drum and motorised filters perform three-stage filtration of fine dust using two washable fabric filters and a paper filter system. The extraction units filter down to 0.5 microns, making them ideal for MDF and other hazardous materials.

Flexible drive options

All units offer powerful 1 kW motors in a wide range of configurations across the available models. This provides a choice of single, dual or even triple motor configurations. Models with multiple motors can either offer increased suction power when all motors are used together or the motors are used alternately to allow for longer operating times.

Why is an extraction system and the protection of wood dust so important?

That is remarkable! High demands are placed on extraction systems. It is by no means enough to simply remove the dust. It is essential to keep an eye on the filter fineness, or more precisely, the pore size of the filter fabric when purchasing. This provides information about the size of the particles that are to be filtered out. Record Power guarantees that the CamVac models filter dust particles down to 0.5 micrometres. But why is this so important?

Effective filtration

In woodworking, the danger does not only come from wood dust that is in the visible range. The smaller the particles are, the deeper they can penetrate into the respiratory tract. There they can cause serious long-term damage. The possible consequences include chronic coughing, mucus production, lung infections, lung damage and even lung cancer. Heart disease can also be caused due to a lack of oxygen supply caused by a (wood) dust-related lung hypofunction.

Filter systems up to which particle size they filter

With an extraction system, you are one step closer to a safe working environment. However, standard filters for felt and canvas bags often only filter dust up to 15 micrometres from the room air. Finer dust particles are not "captured" during filtration without special precautions; they are let through and blown out with the exhaust air. They remain as solid aerosols in the air that you breathe. We are talking about dust particles with a diameter of less than 5 micrometres. Such particles are 50 to 70 times smaller in diameter than human hair. They are so small that they can penetrate into the alveoli of the lungs. Extract from dust categorisation:

"The respirable fraction (A dust) is the part of the inhalable dust that is so fine that it can penetrate into the smallest branches of the lungs, the alveoli (pulmonary alveoli)." Such particles are produced during sanding, for example. It is particularly important that the smallest dust particles, which are not visible to the naked eye, are filtered out of the air we breathe.

Such particles are produced during sanding, for example. It is particularly important that the smallest dust particles, which are not visible to the naked eye, are filtered out of the air we breathe.